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THE COURT CONNECTION United States Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa/Fort Myers Divisions October 2013 The Court Connection * * * * * MISSION STATEMENT Our Court serves the public by processing and deciding bankruptcy cases with fairness, impartiality, and excellence, while treating everyone with dignity, integrity, and respect. * * * * * The Season of Sacrifice and Gratitude By: Hon. Karen S. Jennemann As I write this article, I do not know if the government will reopen this week or not. The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing essential functions will work without pay and those staff furloughed will not receive pay unless approved by Congress. Everyone at the United States Trustee’s office and civil attorneys at the United States Attorneys’ office started feeling the effect of the government shutdown earlier on October 1. The Court’s valuable staff anxiously hopes to receive their regular paychecks when Congress approves an appropriation bill or when a continuing resolution is passed but they do not know when that will happen. They may get paid tomorrow or weeks from now. The thought of our folks working diligently every day without any assurance of timely payment is astonishing. They, like most everyone else, have bills that will come due regardless of whether they receive their paycheck or not. Some have their mortgage or other payments automatically deducted from their paychecks that, this month, may not get paid. We have many single parents that are the only source of income for their family. In some cases, both the husband and the wife are employed by the federal government. Neither will receive a paycheck until the government shutdown ends. Because only those who actually work are guaranteed pay at some point, all leave is cancelled. Staff who had scheduled needed medical procedures either must cancel the treatment or face the risk they will not be paid in the future. Many people had to delay or defer family trips, including a honeymoon, because leave was canceled. Others have had to hire caregivers to take care of elderly or Inside this issue: Chief Judge Article 1 New BLES Director 3 “The 3-3-3 Rule” 6 Bankruptcy Rule Changes 11 View from the Bench Registration 15 Chapter 13 Debtor Education Class 17
Transcript
Page 1: THE COURT CONNECTION - U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District … · The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing

THE COURT CONNECTION

United States Bankruptcy Court

Middle District of Florida

Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa/Fort Myers Divisions

October 2013

The Court Connection

* * * * *

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Court serves the public by processing and deciding bankruptcy cases with fairness,

impartiality, and excellence, while treating everyone with dignity, integrity, and respect.

* * * * *

The Season of Sacrifice and Gratitude

By: Hon. Karen S. Jennemann

As I write this article, I do not know if the government will reopen this week or

not. The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but,

starting the next day, those staff performing essential functions will work

without pay and those staff furloughed will not receive pay unless approved by

Congress. Everyone at the United States Trustee’s office and civil attorneys at

the United States Attorneys’ office started feeling the effect of the government

shutdown earlier on October 1.

The Court’s valuable staff anxiously hopes to receive their regular paychecks

when Congress approves an appropriation bill or when a continuing resolution is

passed but they do not know when that will happen. They may get paid

tomorrow or weeks from now. The thought of our folks working diligently every

day without any assurance of timely payment is astonishing.

They, like most everyone else, have bills that will come due regardless of

whether they receive their paycheck or not. Some have their mortgage or other

payments automatically deducted from their paychecks that, this month, may not

get paid. We have many single parents that are the only source of income for

their family. In some cases, both the husband and the wife are employed by the

federal government. Neither will receive a paycheck until the government

shutdown ends.

Because only those who actually work are guaranteed pay at some point, all

leave is cancelled. Staff who had scheduled needed medical procedures either

must cancel the treatment or face the risk they will not be paid in the future.

Many people had to delay or defer family trips, including a honeymoon, because

leave was canceled. Others have had to hire caregivers to take care of elderly or

Inside this issue:

Chief Judge Article

1

New BLES Director 3

“The 3-3-3 Rule” 6

Bankruptcy Rule

Changes

11

View from the

Bench Registration

15

Chapter 13 Debtor

Education Class

17

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THE COURT CONNECTION Page 2

ill family members because they could not take leave to personally give the care

their mother or father needed. Life as we know it in the Judiciary is radically

changed.

Yet, in the face of this anxiety and uncertainty, we work, every day. We will keep

our court open and functioning as long as possible. We will hold hearings,

although you may see some delays or continuances caused by furloughs at other

federal agencies. We will process anything you file.

Our folks truly live up to our mission of “serving the public with impartiality and

excellence.” They now are doing this at great personal sacrifice to themselves.

They promise to keep the Court open as long as they and their families can make

the financial sacrifice asked of them.

I am grateful and indebted to every member of our incredible Court family.

Everyone one of them is essential and valued. Although the government shut-

down hopefully will end soon and life will return to our “new” reduced normal, I

ask members of the bar and their staff who rely on the help of our folks as they

process papers and schedule hearings also to say “thank you” for their work.

Without them the entire bankruptcy system would collapse.

“As we express

our gratitude, we

must never forget

that the highest

appreciation is not

to utter words, but

to live by them”.

- John F. Kennedy

“I am a member

of a team, and I

rely on the team, I

defer to it and

sacrifice for it,

because the team,

not the individual,

is the ultimate

champion.”

- Mia Hamm

“Feeling gratitude

and not expressing

it is like wrapping

a present and not

giving it.”

-William Arthur

Ward

Lee Ann Bennett:

New President of the National Conference of

Bankruptcy Clerks

The National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks is a

professional organization focused on meeting the needs of

the Clerk’s staff in bankruptcy courts across the United

States. NCBC focuses its efforts in four areas: Leadership, Education, Advocacy,

and Solutions. The group sponsors numerous educational programs, including a

national conference, and works tirelessly to improve the work environment for

thousands of employees of the bankruptcy courts.

On September 26, 2013, our own Clerk LeeAnn Bennett was selected by her

colleagues to serve as President of NCBC for a term ending in 2016. She will

represent Bankruptcy Clerks at numerous national forums including the upcoming

National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges in Atlanta. NCBC has selected an

excellent leader to hold its reins. Congratulations to Clerk Bennett.

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THE COURT CONNECTION Page 3

Introducing the New Executive Director of BLES:

Alvin Fletcher Benton, Esquire, Holland & Knight

For many years we have witnessed the great pro bono work undertaken by our bankruptcy colleagues in the

Southern District of Florida. Due to our expansive geography and the fact that the Southern District has only

one voluntary bankruptcy bar association compared to our four voluntary bar associations, Florida’s Middle

District was presented with some unique organizational challenges in trying to improve our pro bono and

outreach efforts. At a Bankruptcy/UCC Committee Meeting held in conjunction with the Florida Bar in

2012, the Honorable Michael G. Williamson presented his vision of BLES—the Bankruptcy Legal Education

Series designed to provide education on bankruptcy topics and assist pro bono projects district wide.

Roy Kobert and Gene Crick of Broad and Cassel offered to get the ball rolling and, on December 28, 2012,

BLES was incorporated. Tax exempt status is expected in the first quarter of 2014.

In the meantime, the Board of BLES, consisting of representatives from each voluntary bankruptcy bar

association, opened a bank account and raised initial donations of approximately $20,000. Funds came from

contributions from the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar, each local bankruptcy bar association,

seminar fees, Chapter 11 liquidating trusts, and voluntary individual contributions.

So, BLES was born in 2012. BLES is getting organized in 2013. The BLES Board currently is reviewing

projects to fund. By early 2014, BLES should walk independently and serve as the Middle District’s funding

source for pro bono projects.

To reach this goal of sustainability and continuity, the rotating Directors quickly realized BLES needed an

ongoing Executive Director. Alvin Benton, a graduate of FAMU and an attorney at Holland & Knight,

graciously agreed to accept the position as BLES’ first Executive Director. Mr. Benton is also treasurer of

the Paul Perkins Bar Association and is presently participating in the new Florida Bar Leadership Program.

In his spare time, Alvin chairs the H&K Diversity Committee all while waiting for his wife to give birth to

their first child. While BLES has gone through the birthing and growing pains, Alvin will experience it in

real life as well. He will make an excellent leader for BLES.

Page 4: THE COURT CONNECTION - U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District … · The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing

THE COURT CONNECTION

Case Summaries

By: Bradley M. Saxton, Esquire and C. Andrew Roy, Esquire,

Winderweedle, Ward, Haines & Woodman, P.A.

Stevenson v. Uttermohlen (In re Uttermohlen),

--- Fed. Appx. ----, 2013 WL 4033911 (11th Cir. Aug. 9, 2013)

In Chapter 7 case, Eleventh Circuit affirmed bankruptcy court’s ruling that tax refund, to which debtor and

debtor’s non-debtor spouse were entitled, was exempt from administration by trustee as property in

tenancy-by-the-entireties.

In re McKinnon,

495 B.R. 553 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. Aug. 27, 2013) (Williamson, J.)

In Chapter 7 case, trustee successfully avoided debtor’s pre-petition transfer of his vehicle to his daughter.

After transfer was avoided, debtor sought to exempt the vehicle pursuant to section 522(g). The trustee

objected to the exemption. Sustaining the trustee’s objection, the bankruptcy court found that section 522(g)

is disjunctive and thus, since the debtor voluntarily transferred the vehicle, he was not entitled to the

exemption even if he did not conceal the transfer.

Webber v. American Cancer Treatment Centers, Inc. (In re Makar),

2013 WL 4483462 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. Aug. 15, 2013) (Jennemann, J.)

Chapter 7 trustee sought to avoid multiple transfers pursuant to sections 548 and 550. On trustee’s motion

for summary judgment, bankruptcy court determined that (i) it had jurisdiction to enter a final order on the

avoidance claims pursuant to Stern v. Marshall, and (ii) the transfers were avoidable as a matter of law

based on the undisputed material facts. Furthermore, the court held that the debtor’s businesses were

debtor’s “alter ego” and allowed the trustee to pierce the corporate veil.

In re Martin,

Case No. 8:13-bk-00624-MGW (Bankr. M.D. Fla. Sept. 17, 2013) (Williamson, J.)

In individual Chapter 11 case, debtor attempted to retain property, including three investment homes, while

paying unsecured creditors only a 5% distribution. The debtor attempted to cram down the unsecured class,

but the bankruptcy court determined that the absolute priority rule prohibited cramdown. Adopting the

“narrow view” of the applicability of the absolute priority rule, the bankruptcy court looked to the plain

meaning of sections 1129 and 1115. Based on that reasoning, the court denied confirmation of the debtor’s

proposed plan as it violated the absolute priority.

Page 4

Page 5: THE COURT CONNECTION - U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District … · The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing

THE COURT CONNECTION

SAVE THE DATE

STATE WIDE SUMMIT

ON

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE MODIFICATION MEDIATIONS

If you are a mediator, residential mortgage lender, creditor attorney, debtor

attorney, Chapter 13 trustee, staff, a Bankruptcy Judge or just interested in

the programs developed to help parties modify residential mortgages, you

may want to attend a summit to discuss what is working well and why

throughout Florida:

DATE: February 27, 2014

TIME: 1:00 pm

LOCATION: Jury Assembly Room

United States District Court

First Floor

401 West Central Boulevard

Orlando, Florida 32801

If you are interested in attending or in helping plan the Summit, please

contact Laurie Weatherford at [email protected].

Page 5

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Page 6 THE COURT CONNECTION

“The 3-3-3 Rule”

By: Hon. Michael G. Williamson

“Judge is the 3-3-3 Rule in effect for this case or is this a 10-10-10 case?” Those of you who have appeared

in my courtroom may have heard this question asked, or you have probably heard me discuss these rules.

But just in case, let me explain: Keep it Short! Few motions need to exceed three pages—thus the first “3”

in the Rule stands for 3 pages. That’s the length that works best for most routine motions. Even if it is a

really complex matter, try to keep the page count down to 10 pages (get it? 10-10-10). The more succinct

your writing the better. Don't drag your motion out to the maximum page limit if you have nothing left to

say. In the words of Chief Justice Roberts, "I've yet to put down a brief and say, ’I wish that were longer.’"

The second “3” relates to the maximum number of cases that you should cite for any proposition of law.

Simply put: Avoid Excessive Case Citations! If there is a novel legal issue, cite a case or two that supports

your position. One or two cases are ordinarily sufficient. Avoid long string cites unless you are trying to

make a point. And citation of well-settled law is not helpful. For example, taking two pages to review the

standards for summary judgment is a waste of space. These comments apply equally to bigger cases in

which the 10-10-10 Rule applies (I know--it should be the 10-3-10 Rule--but that doesn’t sound very good

so I’m exercising some artistic license on the name of the Rule).

The third “3” applies to the length of your argument on most routine matters. Believe it or not, we

bankruptcy judges have probably seen the type of motion that you have filed before (like maybe a 1000

times). So if it’s just a motion for relief from stay on a car with no insurance and no payments have been

made for four months--we get it. That’s all we need to know. Three minutes of oral argument should be

more than sufficient. We don’t need a primer on the constitutional underpinnings of adequate protection.

While I’ve got the floor, here are some other practice pointers on oral argument and drafting of motions and

memoranda for the court (I know I’m breaking the 3-3-3 Rule by going on at this point, so I’ll sua sponte

invoke the 10-10-10 Rule).

Preview Relief Sought. Explain at the beginning of your argument and in the introductory paragraphs of the

motion the relief you are seeking before you lay out the factual and legal bases for the relief requested. Let

us know what you want at the front end so we know where you’re heading and will understand the

relevance of the facts you proffer in support.

Avoid Legalese. Plain language is easier to understand. As Justice Scalia once said, “A good test is, if you

use the word at a cocktail party, will people look at you funny?”

Avoid Minutiae. When drafting your motion or making your argument, first ask yourself what the court

needs to know, then include that information in the motion or argument. You need to communicate the big

picture in a fashion that it can be understood quickly by the reader or listener. Avoid minutiae. For example,

a tedious recitation in a motion of every document in the loan file is neither needed nor helpful. In a similar

vein, do not cut and paste the identical case history and introductory paragraphs from earlier motions into

later ones.

Never Disparage Your Opponent. As Justice Ginsburg once said, "You should aim to persuade the judge by

the power of your reasoning and not by denigrating the opposing side." Using words such as "outrageous,"

"disingenuous," and the like reflects poorly on you. If the opposing counsel makes disparaging remarks

about you or your client avoid responding in kind. Keep the high road!

Page 7: THE COURT CONNECTION - U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District … · The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing

Page 7 THE COURT CONNECTION

The “3-3-3” Rule (continued):

Be Intellectually Honest. If you have weaknesses in your position, “pull the teeth” by addressing them in

your motion or up front in your oral argument explaining that while you concede that these weaknesses exist,

they should not compel a different result. Similarly, address your opponent’s best argument in your motion.

Provide Copies of Cases. Many judges welcome the filing of cases that will be relied on at the hearing so

long as the cases are furnished to opposing counsel. Depending on a judge’s practice, it is often useful to

highlight the portions of the cases that you will be relying upon. Include those highlights in the cases you

provide to opposing counsel.

File Your Memo of Law Well Before Hearing. When you do file briefs or cases, they are of very little use to

the court unless they are filed in a timely manner so as to allow sufficient opportunity for their review in

advance of the hearing (delivery to chambers at the end of business hours on the eve of a hearing or on the

day of the hearing is not timely). You should assume that the judge will rule from the bench, and briefs or

cases filed at or immediately before the hearing will not be reviewed prior to the court’s making its ruling.

(You’ll note that I covered exactly 10 points in compliance with my 10-10-10 Rule.) See you in court.

Dear Point and Click:

Q: I am trying to file a document and there does not appear to be a corresponding event in CM/ECF.

The Clerk’s Office is closed so I cannot call for assistance but the deadline to file the document is today. Is

there a way I can determine if there is an event in CM/ECF that I should be using to file my document?

A: Yes, it is possible to search the CM/ECF system for specific events. Additionally, since the use of

the correct event in CM/ECF is critical to ensuring the appropriate deadlines are scheduled and hearings set,

you are encouraged to search the system prior to filing any document that appears not to have a

corresponding event. To perform the search:

1. Log into CM/ECF as if filing a document.

2. Select Search from the main menu. A Search Menus and Events box displays.

3. Enter a keyword from the title of the document you are filing in the text box. Note: Enter a unique

word from the title of the document. For example, if you are filing a Motion for Sanctions, enter

Sanctions (rather than Motion) in the text box to receive a list of events containing Sanctions in the

title.

4. Click the magnifying glass to the right of the text box to begin the search.

5. The list of matching CM/ECF events displays. From this list of events, you can select the event you

want to use by clicking the hyperlink.

Dear POINT AND CLICK:

Page 8: THE COURT CONNECTION - U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District … · The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing

Page 8 THE COURT CONNECTION

Positive Additions to Negative Notice List

By: Hon. Caryl E. Delano

Middle District practitioners are very familiar with Local Rule 2002-1. This rule provides that specified types

of motions, objections and other papers will be considered by the Court without an actual hearing if the

negative notice procedure described in the rule is followed and if no party in interest objects to the relief

requested. The negative notice procedure eliminates the need for a hearing in most unopposed matters, saving

time and money for parties, attorneys and the Court. Of course, even in the absence of an objection, the Court

may set a hearing to consider the requested relief.

Effective July 1, 2013, L.R. 2002-1 was amended to delete its reference to the specific types of motions

approved for the negative notice procedure and to refer parties to the Negative Notice List posted on the

Court’s website. Over the past year, the judges have approved a number of additions to the Negative Notice

List. These additions are the result of suggestions from members of the bar, Clerk’s Office staff, and the

judges. CM/ECF users are notified of updates to the Negative Notice List by email blast and announcements

on the Court’s website.

Recent additions to the Negative Notice List include:

Chapter 7

Motion by Chapter 7 Trustee to Authorize Interim Distribution to Creditors

and to Pay Administrative Expenses

Motion Objecting to Discharge pursuant to Rule 4004(a)

Chapter 11

Application for Final Compensation (must be accompanied by the Chapter 11

Fee Application Cover Page available on the Court’s website, www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms.)

Motion to Determine Secured Status/Value Property in Chapter 11’s (30 day notice)

Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property in Chapter 11’s (30 day notice)

Chapter 12 and Chapter 13

Motion for Relief from Stay as to the Debtor

Motion for Relief from Co-Debtor Stay (14 day notice)

Motion to Confirm Priority of Modified Mortgage

Also, with respect to motions for relief from stay, accompanying affidavits or verifications are no longer

required although movants may submit them if they would like to establish standing or other factual issues. If

a motion for relief from stay is not supported by an affidavit or verification, the Court will make no

determination on whether the movant has standing to request the relief sought by the motion or whether the

debtor is delinquent on any obligation. And, in Orlando and Tampa, if the Chapter 13 Plan surrenders

collateral or payments are made outside the plan, neither a hearing nor negative notice is required if the

motion is accompanied by an affidavit to that effect.

Page 9: THE COURT CONNECTION - U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District … · The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing

Page 9 THE COURT CONNECTION

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT,

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

PERMISSIVE USE OF NEGATIVE NOTICE

Revision effective October 15, 2013

The Court permits and encourages service of the following papers using negative notice as permitted by Local Rule

2002-4. The negative notice legend shall provide for a 21-day objection period unless stated otherwise below.

Chapter 7

Application for Payment of Administrative Expenses (Interim)

Motion by Chapter 7 Trustee to Authorize Interim Distribution to Creditors and to Pay Administrative

Expenses

Motion for Relief from Stay

Motion for Order Confirming that the Automatic Stay is Terminated (362(c) and (j))

Motion Objecting to Discharge pursuant to Rule 4004(a)

Motion to Approve Agreements Relating to Relief from Stay, Prohibiting or Conditioning the Use, Sale or

Lease of Property, Providing Adequate Protection, Use of Cash Collateral and Obtaining Credit pursuant to

Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4001(d) (14-day notice)

Motion/Notice of Intent to Abandon Property filed by Trustee (14-day notice, pursuant to Fed. R. Bankr. P.

6007)

Motion to Compel Abandonment

Motion to Approve Compromise or Settlement

Motion to Avoid Lien on Exempt Property

Motion to Assume Lease/Executory Contract

Motion to Confirm Priority of Modified Mortgage

Motion to Determine Property is of Consequential Value to Estate filed by Trustee (362(h)(2))

Motion to Determine Secured Status /Value Property (30-day notice required)

Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property (30-day notice required)

Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Attend 341 Meeting filed by Trustee

Motion to Redeem

Motion/Notice to Sell or Lease Property (does not apply to sales free and clear of interests)

Motion for Turnover of Property by Trustee (30-day notice required)

Objection to Claim (30-day notice required)

Objection to Exemptions (However, in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Myers the Court will enter an order sustaining

an objection that relates solely to the value of personal property claimed exempt without a hearing)

Page 10: THE COURT CONNECTION - U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District … · The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but, starting the next day, those staff performing

Page 10 THE COURT CONNECTION

Revised Negative Notice List (continued):

Chapter 11

Chapter 12 and Chapter 13

**In Orlando and Tampa, if the Chapter 13 Plan surrenders collateral or payments are made outside the Plan, neither a hearing

nor negative notice is required if the motion is accompanied by an affidavit to that effect.

Application for Interim Compensation (must be accompanied by the Chapter 11 Fee Application Cover Page

available on the Court’s website, www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms.)

Application for Final Compensation (must be accompanied by the Chapter 11 Fee Application Cover Page

available on the Court’s website, www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms.)

Motion to Approve Agreements Relating to Relief from Stay, Prohibiting or Conditioning the Use, Sale or

Lease of Property, Providing Adequate Protection, Use of Cash Collateral and Obtaining Credit pursuant to Fed.

R. Bankr. P. 4001(d) (14-day notice)

Motion to Avoid Lien on Exempt Property

Motion to Approve Compromise or Settlement

Motion to Administratively Close Individual Chapter 11 Case

Objection to Claim (30-day notice required)

Motion to Determine Secured Status /Value Property (30-day notice required)

Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property (30-day notice required)

Application for Quantum Meruit Compensation by Chapter 7 Trustee or Trustee’s Attorney

*Motion for Relief from Stay as to the Debtor

*Motion for Relief from Co-Debtor Stay (14-day notice)

Motion for Order Confirming that the Automatic Stay is Terminated (362(c) and (j))

Motion Objecting to Discharge pursuant to Rule 4004(a)

Motion to Approve Agreements Relating to Relief from Stay, Prohibiting or Conditioning the Use, Sale or

Motion to Avoid Lien on Exempt Property

Motion to Approve Compromise or Settlement

Motion to Assume Lease/Executory Contract

Motion to Confirm Priority of Modified Mortgage

Motion to Determine Secured Status /Value Property (30-day notice required)

Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property (30-day notice required)

Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Attend 341 Meeting filed by Trustee

Motion to Modify Confirmed Plan (Except in Tampa and Ft. Myers)

Motion to Modify Mortgage

Motion to Offset Funds Filed by Trustee

Motion for Turnover of Property by Trustee (30-day notice required)

Motion to Sell or Lease Property (does not apply to sales free and clear of interests)

Objection to Claim (30-day notice required)

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Page 11 THE COURT CONNECTION

Bankruptcy Rules and Forms effective December 1, 2013

By: Kathy Deetz, Deputy-in-Charge

A number of rule and form changes are scheduled to take effect of December 1, 2013.

Rules 1007, 5009, 4004

Rule 1007(b)(7) now allows an approved provider to notify the court directly that the debtor has

completed the personal financial management course.

Rule 5009(b) would require the clerk to send a notice only if the course provider has not already

notified the court of the debtor’s completion of the course and the debtor has failed to file the

statement in 45 days after the 341 meeting of creditors.

Rule 4004(c)(1)(H) is amended to provide that the court must delay entering a discharge for a debtor

who has not filed certification of completion of the personal financial management course, only if the

debtor was required to do so.

Rules 9006, 9013, and 9014

Rule 9006(d) prescribes time limits for the service of written motions and responses. The proposed

amendments expand the coverage of subdivision (d) to address the timing of the service of any written

response to a motion.

Rule 9013, which addresses the form and service of motions, is amended to provide a cross‐reference

to the time periods in Rule 9006(d). The amendment also calls greater attention to the default deadlines

for motion practice.

Rule 9014, which addresses contested matters in bankruptcy, is similarly amended to provide a

cross‐reference to the times under Rule 9006(d) for serving motions and responses.

Bankruptcy Forms 3A, 3B, 6I, 6J, 6 Summary, 23 and 27

Official Forms

3A, Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments,

3B, Application for Waiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee,

6I, Schedule I: Current Income of Individual Debtor(s),

6J, Schedule J: Current Expenditures of Individual Debtor(s)

The forms were selected for the initial implementation phase of the Forms Modernization Project, as

they make no significant change in substantive content and simply replace existing forms.

Official Forms 6 Summary, Summary of Schedules, and 27, Reaffirmation Cover Sheet, are revised

with updated line number cross references to Schedules I and J.

Official Form 23, Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Instructional Course Concerning Personal

Financial Management, is revised to reflect the change to Rule 1007(b)

Please use the link below regarding the amendments to official forms occurring 12/1/2013.

http://www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms/december_1_2013.htm

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Page 12 THE COURT CONNECTION

Delaying Payment of Filing Fees in CM/ECF

By: Raymond Waguespack, Operations Deputy

When papers are filed in CM/ECF using an event that incurs a fee, the fees, in most instances, is due upon

filing of the paper. During the month of August, 2013, there were nearly 300 instances of delayed payment

of fees that were incurred by filing papers in CM/ECF on cases where no request for installment payment or

for in forma pauperis was submitted.

The effect of the delayed payment of fees is that court staff must generate a notice regarding the unpaid fee

costing the Court additional noticing cost and staff time generating the notice. Also, if fees remain unpaid

after 5 days, automated email reminders are sent to the CM/ECF user and continue to be sent until the fee is

paid.

To assist the Court in reducing its noticing costs and using staff time to generate notices on unpaid fees,

CM/ECF users are requested to make a habit of paying filing fees in CM/ECF on the date the fees are

incurred to the extent possible. An additional benefit of paying fees quickly is to keep you email inbox free

of overdue filing fee emails. Together we can keep our cost down and make our district more efficient.

Requirement to File Declarations of Electronic Filing Removed from Local Rules

By: Raymond Waguespack, Operations Deputy

Despite the change in requirement, nearly 2300 Declarations of Electronic Filing were filed during the

month of August, 2013. We wish to alert members of the bar that in July of this year, updated Local Rule

9011-4 went into effect which removed the requirement to file Declarations of Electronic Filing.

Accordingly, the Court has recently updated its website to remove the Declaration of Electronic Filing form

and will be reviewing our external website and training Electronic Learning Modules to locate any places

where updates are necessary as a result of this change in requirement. Please note the requirement in Local

Rule 1001-2(c) to retain certain original signed papers for 4 years after the case is closed has not changed.

The July 2013 edition of The Court Connection included a review of the Local Rule Amendments that were

effective July 1, 2013 and a complete copy of the current Local Rules are available on the Court’s website.

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“When it comes to life the

critical thing is whether you

take things for granted or

take them with gratitude.”

- Gilbert K. Chesterton

Bill of Rights Read-Along Day December 15, 2013

Celebrate the document that created our system of governance and has

withstood the test of time. You can download a copy of the U.S.

Constitution from the National Archives website (www.archives.gov).

Too long? Download a copy of the Bill of Rights. The “Refrigerator

Door Bill of Rights” (so called because it can be posted on your

refrigerator) is available at www.National-Education-Project.org. And

on December 22nd (a Sunday), the 222nd birthday of the Bill of

Rights, there will be a live read-along of the Bill of Rights from 8:30-9

p.m. (log on to the National Education Project website from your home

at that time).

Be a part of this nationwide celebration!

Taping of Court Events and Training Presentations

By: Mike Shadburn, Chief Deputy

Ever missed a training presentation and wished you could view it later

on a video? A process has been developed where general events and

training presentations, including those given at brown bag luncheons,

can be taped and then made available for viewing on the Court’s

website. Kristyn Leederkerken, a career law clerk for Judge Glenn,

has been designated as the overall coordinator for the program. In

order to have a presentation taped, the deputy-in-charge of the division

in which the presentation is to be given should be contacted.

For taping in the Tampa Division, contact Chuck Kilcoyne at 813-301

-5037, in the Jacksonville Division, contact Gull Weaver at 904-301-

6500, and in the Orlando Division, contact Kathy Deetz at 407-237-

8055. These deputies, through an automated system, schedule the

presentations for taping by the IT staff.

The following information is needed for scheduling:

Title of Presentation/Program

City/Division Location

Location of Presentation/Program

Date of Presentation/Program

Start Time of Presentation/Program

Duration of Presentation/Program

Is this a CLE credit event?

Special instructions/comments

Following the taping, a video of the presentation is added to the

Court’s website at https://pacer.flmb.uscourts.gov/cle/index.asp for

external viewing, which requires a user to enter their CM/ECF login.

Court staff can view applicable presentations at http://flmb.circ11.dcn/

videos/.

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American Bankruptcy Institute’s Standards of Professional Courtesy and Conduct

(Bankruptcy Court Decisions, September 20, 2013, Volume 58, Issue 9, Pages 8-9)

ABI Executive Director Samuel J. Gerdano said, “The Task Force report is grounded in the belief that civility by an attorney or

another bankruptcy professional is not a sign of weakness, but rather an obligation.”

The principles are broken out into the following categories:

General Duties of Professionals:

1. Professionals should be courteous and civil in all professional dealings with others.

2. When not conflicting with their clients' interests, professionals should cooperate with other professionals in an effort to

avoid unnecessary litigation and to resolve litigation that already has commenced.

3. Professionals should respect the schedules and commitments of others, consistent with the protection of their clients'

interests.

4. A professional should return telephone calls promptly and respond to communications that reasonably require a response,

with due consideration of time zone differences and other known circumstances affecting availability.

5. The time and manner of the servicing of papers should not be designed to cause disadvantage or embarrassment to the

party receiving the papers.

6. A professional should not use any aspect of the litigation process, including discovery and motion practice, as a means of

harassment or for the purpose of unnecessarily prolonging litigation or increasing litigation expenses.

7. In out-of-court proceedings, professionals should not engage in any conduct that would not be appropriate in the presence

of a judge.

8. A professional should keep his or her word.

9. A professional should not mislead others involved in the bankruptcy process.

General Duties of Lawyers:

1. Lawyers should be respectful of the schedules and commitments of others.

2. In examinations and other proceedings, as well as in meetings and negotiations, professionals should conduct themselves

with dignity and refrain from displaying rudeness and disrespect.

3. Lawyers should not mislead others involved in the bankruptcy process.

Lawyers' Duties to the Court and Court Personnel:

1. A lawyer is both an officer of the court and an advocate. As such a lawyer should always strive to uphold the honor and

dignity of the profession, avoid disorder and disruption in the courtroom, and maintain a respectful attitude toward the

court and its personnel.

2. Court personnel are an integral part of the justice system and should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.

Duties of Judges and Court Personnel to Lawyers, Parties and Witnesses:

1. A judge should be patient, courteous and civil to lawyers, parties and witnesses.

2. Court personnel should be courteous, patient and respectful while providing prompt, efficient and helpful service to all

persons having business with the courts.

These principles do not form a basis for litigation sanctions or penalties. Rather, ABI intends that members of the bankruptcy pro-

fession voluntarily agree to adhere to these principles so as to improve the profession and the administration of justice for all of its

participants.

The ABI Civility Task Force Report on Standards of Professional Courtesy and Conduct is available at:

http://go.abi.org/Civility_Report

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View from the Bench--

Registration Deadlines

Approaching!

Remember to register for the Bankruptcy

Law & Practice: View from the Bench

seminar -- November 7th in Tampa or

November 8th in Miami! Please do not rely

on on-site registration as seating is limited.

Note also that there is a surcharge for

on-site registration.

Members of The Florida Bar can register

on-line at www.flabar.org. To register, you

will need to:

1. Log in using your bar number and

password

2. Click on the "CLE" link on the top

menu

3. Under "Upcoming Live Courses,"

click on "Search Calendar/Register

Online"

4. Type in the city name (Tampa or

Miami)

5. Select Bankruptcy Law & Practice:

View from the Bench 2013 (Course

Number-1637R).

In addition, don’t forget to sign up for the

receptions and dinner the evenings before the

presentations!

For registration information about the Tampa

Reception on the evening of Wednesday,

November 6, 2013, go to www.tbbba.com

and click on the link under “Events.”

To register for the Miami Reception and

Dinner on the evening of Thursday,

November 7, 2013, go to the website for The

Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern

District of Florida: http://www.bbasdfl.org/.

Under "Upcoming Events..." select: "View

from the Bench 2013-Judges Dinner and

Seminar."

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NATIONAL PRO BONO WEEK

OCTOBER 20-26, 2013

Proclamations: The Court has reached out to the local city governments in Jacksonville, Orlando, and

Tampa to request that each Mayor sign a Proclamation

Pro Bono Recognition Program and Attorney Receptions: A Pro Bono Recognition Program led by

Judge McEwen will occur on October 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The program will be live in Tampa

and broadcase via video conference in Jacksonville and Orlando. Receptions will immediately follow the

presentation in all locations

Pro Bono Docket Event: The Court has created a new docketing event to note when there is a Pro Bono

attorney assisting in a Pro-Se case. The CM/ECF docketing event will go “Live” to coincide with Pro Bono

week and will be announced through an email blast to all registered CM/ECF users.

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Chapter 13 Debtor Education Class

By: Kathy Deetz, Deputy-in-Charge (ORL)

Laurie K. Weatherford, Chapter 13 Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, offers the Debtor Education

Class to all her Chapter 13 Debtors, free of charge. The classes are conveniently held on the day of the

debtor(s) 341 Meetings, so debtors will not have to take an additional day off of work. Classes are held

every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the George C. Young Federal Building, 400 W. Washington

St., Courtroom 6C, Orlando, Florida.

The instructors, Vera Pennington and

Stephen Wood, have combined

qualifications of 31 years experience in

counseling. Both instructors have BS

degrees in education, including financial

planning experience, 22 years as a realtor

and over 7 years experience in teaching

Debtor Education Course.

Steve Wood, Mortgage Program Manager, oversees all the Chapter 13 Mortgage Modification Mediation

Programs. He does a wonderful job of explaining the process of mortgage modification and HAMP

programs. He informs debtors that they may be eligible for assistance in the form of a loan modification,

forgiveness of principal, short sale, waiver of deficiency in loan balance or other relief. Currently, the

Chapter 13 mortgage modification mediations have a 70% success rate.

Vera Pennington is amazing to watch. She connects with each person in the room by sharing details of her

own personal experiences. It's clear to see why the debtors respond in such a positive manner to her

teaching style. She presents an informative, laid back program, in a stress free environment with a touch of

humor. Key topics such as savings and goal planning, budgeting, financial decision making, negotiating

and credit are discussed.

Vera has many reasons for

teaching this class: debtors

fulfilling their requirement

of a Debtor Education

course, the Court receiving

the necessary documents

for case administration and

educating debtors to make

wise financial decisions for

the start of their new

beginning.

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SAVE THE DATE

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Court Committee Updates

IT COMMITTEE

By: Scott Lumpkins

Well, although it was a slower month for us, the IT Testing Committee did work on a very important and

essential program…The Aqua Program, the new quality assurance program for Court staff. At the end of

August and beginning of September, the IT Committee Members did Live Testing of the Aqua Program

before its release to the entire staff. During the testing, we utilized the Aqua E-Request to find and correct

any issues we might have had with the program. Corrections and additions were made which resulted in a

smoother transition when going live with the entire staff.

Also, an e-Request was made which resulted in changes to two Notice of Hearing events, the IT Testing

Committee tested the changes and found no issues, therefore, the changes were implemented.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE

By: Dianna Valencia

The Outreach Committee successfully completed an ice-breaker for the District Off-Site in August of this

year. Since then the Committee has been busy with preparation and kick-off of this year’s Combined

Federal Campaign (CFC) which began District-Wide on October 2, 2013 and runs through December 4,

2013. During that time, staff in each division will conduct fund raisers as part of the campaign.

Additionally, the Committee is involved with planning the National Pro Bono Celebration activities within

the District which include a reception to be held on October 23, 2013 in the Tampa, Orlando, and

Jacksonville Divisions for attorneys who have provided pro bono assistance on bankruptcy matters.

PROCEDURES COMMITTEE II

By: Anel Merritt

Our Committee has completed a draft procedure for Objections to Exemptions. We provided several

suggestions for efficiencies and uniformity across the District. The draft procedure has been submitted to

the Procedures Review Committee. Our Committee will now begin work on procedures for Motions to

Assume or Reject Executory Contracts.

PROCEDURES COMMITTEE III

By: Mary Henry

Since our last update the Procedures Committee #3 lost one of its members. Work on our assignments will

resume this month. We expect to submit our finalized chapter 13 discharge procedures proposal, and then

continue work on chapter 13 hardship discharges.

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Court Committee Updates (continued):

PROCEDURES REVIEW COMMITTEE UPDATE

By: Susan Carter

Since our last update, the Procedure Review Committee has completed and returned their review of

procedures for Chapter 13 Electronic Case Opening and Motions to Avoid Lien. We are currently working

on an internal project regarding deadlines in the Court’s new AQUA work distribution system. Next we will

begin discussion of the Objection to Debtor’s Claim of Exemptions.

TRAINING COMMITTEE

By: Ann Iannarelli

The Training committee is focusing on implementing training topics outlined in our Strategic Training Plan.

We had the opportunity to offer many of these topics at our District Offsite in August.

Communication Skills: Collaborative Communication in the Workplace

Computer Security: Computer Security Awareness

Leadership: Leadership and Deception

Morale Building: Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Brains!

Bankruptcy Series: What Does That Chapter 13 Trustee Do? and US Trustee –

A Piece of the Bankruptcy Puzzle.

In September, members of our court staff presented two internally developed programs designed to aid our

operations staff.

AQUA: An enhanced QC editor and case management work distribution system that organizes the

daily duties and allocates the work.

Helpdesk: A program that incorporates numerous tutorials and FAQs to promote customer service.

The self-help system is designed for electronic filers to obtain answers to their questions without

assistance from court staff and allows court staff a tool to use to send answers when an external filer

is unable to locate their answer.

WEBSITE COMMITTEE

Celia Rodenmeyer and Sarah Wiener

Recently, the Website Committee created and posted a survey regarding the Court’s external website. The

purpose was to seek beneficial input from our users. To publicize the survey, an email blast was sent to all

ECF registered attorney users and a message was placed in CM/ECF. Numerous positive comments were

received on the overall quality and ease of use of our current website, as well as many helpful suggestions

for improvement. Those suggestions will be incorporated into our future website and our current one.

Thank you again for taking the time to take our survey!

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Court Committee Updates (continued):

Below is a small sampling of questions from the survey and the responses received:

1. Information of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s website is easy to locate?

Always 45% Sometimes 50% Rarely 4.9%

2. Do you or your staff routinely check the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s website for information

Always 76.8% Sometimes 19.7% Rarely 3.5%

3. How often do you or your staff visit the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s News and Announcements page?

Always 14.1% Sometimes 58.5% Rarely 27.5%

4. Are you or your staff aware that if CM/ECF is unavailable or an issue arises within CM/ECF,

information regarding “down time/offline/unavailable” will be posted under News and

Announcements on the Court’s website?

Yes 66.9% No 33.1%

5. Are you or your office aware that the Court’s website contains the following links?

Telephonic Appearance

Yes 64.8% No 35.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes 96.4% No 3.6%

Requirements to file a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 Case

Yes 90.8% No 9.2%

Phone list for all divisions

Yes 93.6% No 6.4%

CLE Attorney Credits

Yes 44.6% No 55.4%

Online e-Training Registration Form and Access to Training Modules (to Obtain an ECF Login)

Yes 84.1% No 15.9%

In addition, a “Sneak Peak” of the revamped website was afforded in two of the break-out sessions at the

District Offsite in August. These sessions were facilitated by Richard Arendt and Sarah Wiener, with the

help of the website committee. The attendees were pleased with the sessions and appreciated the new look of

the website and easier set up to access information.

Stay tuned as we prepare for the future presentation of our new website.

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Securing Your Mobile Device

By: Richard Arendt, Assistant Systems Manager

Smart phones and tablets are convenient and easy to use. They also

introduce risk to personal privacy.

Just a few years ago, a mobile device was considered just a phone that

only made and received calls. The only security concern was whether

someone might steal your phone. Today, mobile devices behave just like

your office computer.

Mobile devices can store large amounts of data, are highly portable and

are frequently unprotected. They are easy to steal or lose, and unless

precautions are taken, an unauthorized person can gain access to the

information stored on them. Even if not stolen or lost, intruders can

sometimes gain all the access they need if the device is left alone and

unprotected, if data is "sniffed out of the air" during wireless

communications, or if malware is installed. The results can include

crippled devices and personal data loss .

Here are some practices to consider for a more secured mobile device:

Connect to only secure Wi-Fi networks and

disable the mobile device when not in use.

Turn off Bluetooth when not being used.

Configure mobile devices securely.

Use a password protected screen lock on all the

devices.

Enable the mobile tracking feature found on

mobile phones.

Users should take steps in protecting their mobile devices.

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Working With Congress

By: Hon. Catherine P. McEwen

The Tampa and Fort Myers Divisions participated in a Congressional Relations Reception on September

18, 2013. Members of the staffs of Senators Nelson and Rubio and our local House members turned out

either live or via video to hear from District, Bankruptcy, and Magistrate Judges of each division as well as

the District Court’s Clerk of the Court, the U.S. Marshal for our region, the Federal Public Defender,

representatives of U.S Probation and U.S. Pretrial Services, and the United States Attorney. The speakers

highlighted the damaging impact on the Third Branch of our government — the federal judicial system —

of sequestration and the need for Congress to fund an adequate and consistent budget for this co-equal

branch. The judicial system is currently funded at two-tenths of one penny of every tax dollar (that’s

$0.002). Local attorneys practicing in each division attended the event to show support for increased

funding. The handout generated by our Bankruptcy Court for the event can be found on the Court’s website.

The Court thanks the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association’s Tampa

Bay Chapter for sponsoring the lunch in Tampa and thanks the Bench Bar Fund (funded by attorney

admission fees) for underwriting the lunch in Fort Myers.

Please use this information distributed at the recent luncheon to understand and to spread the dire nature of

our financial plight.

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Congressional Handout (continued):

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THE COURT CONNECTION Page 25

Congressional Handout (continued):

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THE COURT CONNECTION Page 26

Congressional Handout (continued):

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THE COURT CONNECTION Page 27

NEWS FROM THE TAMPA BAY BANKRUPTCY BAR ASSOCIATION

By: Megan W. Murray, Esquire, Trenam Kemker Attorneys

This month at the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association luncheon, Brad deBeaubien of Shumaker, Loop

& Kendrick, LLP, reminded us how sharing our knowledge of bankruptcy and financial management can

create long lasting impacts in the community. Mr. deBeaubien serves as the chair for the TBBBA for an

organization known as C.A.R.E., the Credit Abuse Resistance Education Program.

Founded in 2002 by John C. Ninfo II, the now-retired U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of

New York, C.A.R.E. seeks to educate high school and college students on the responsible use of credit,

which of course includes an education on the consequences of poor money management and credit card

abuse. The goal of the C.A.R.E. program is to train young men and women to intelligently manage their

credit cards and credit-card debt and to prevent them from experiencing the inside of a bankruptcy court.

The course educates students on the roles of credit in today’s society, how to choose a credit card, the

differences between debit and credit cards, other features of a card (rate, fees, grace periods, revolving

balances, rewards, etc.), how credit reports work, and the consequences of credit abuse.

A bankruptcy judge is a predictable forefather of the program. Judge Ninfo was fatigued by the ever

present appearances of debtors to his courtroom whose bankruptcies stemmed from financial woes due to

the misuse of credit cards and poor financial planning, and in 2002 he decided to take action. Now entering

its eleventh year, C.A.R.E. volunteers work with individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Our own Honorable Judge Catherine Peek McEwen has been a long-time supporter of the program, and

now sits on the national C.A.R.E. Judicial Advisory Board. She has been instrumental in developing and

strengthening the program in Tampa Bay Area. All the Judges in the Middle District fully support the

program, including Honorable K. Rodney May who touted the program’s benefits in an interview with local

Channel 8 News back in 2008 during a C.A.R.E. presentation given to University of Tampa students by the

local bankruptcy judges and members of the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association. The video can be

viewed on Judge May’s court website, or by clicking on the TV below.

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NEWS FROM THE TAMPA BAY BANKRUPTCY BAR ASSOCIATION

We Care (continued):

Tampa Bay attorney, Brad deBeaubien, works diligently to keep TBBBA active in the C.A.R.E. program,

and is currently recruiting Bay Area bankruptcy attorneys to give a C.A.R.E. presentation at the Adult &

Career Center in Tampa in the near future. This is one of many alternative venues benefitting from

C.A.R.E. efforts. Churches, outreach groups, teen centers, volunteer centers, and youth volunteer programs

(such as the Eagle Scouts), also present great opportunities to educate our youth on the importance of

financial literacy and credit responsibility. If you are interested in learning more about C.A.R.E., you can

visit the website at http://care4yourfuture.org/.

You should contact your local C.A.R.E. representative if you have suggestions on new audiences or are

interested in presenting in your area. No experience needed!

Tampa:

H. S. "Brad" deBeaubien

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

[email protected]

813.221.7425

NEWS FROM THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

BANKRUPTCY PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION

Richard Johnston Jr. of the law firm of Johnston Champeau, LLC was

awarded the 2013 Alexander L. Paskay Professionalism Award at the

Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals Association annual dinner

on September 19, 2013. Mr. Johnston was a graduate of the University of

Florida in 1982 and practiced law in Tallahassee and Boca Raton before

settling in Fort Myers to practice law approximately twenty years ago.

The criteria for the award includes outstanding effectiveness and

presentation of matters to the Bankruptcy Court, reputation for thorough

preparation, civility and courtesy to opposing counsel, appropriate

courtroom demeanor, ethical conduct and professionalism at the highest

level and long term service to the bankruptcy bar. Mr. Johnston was both

a past president of the Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals

Association and a frequent presenter of programs to the Association. In

addition, he was acknowledged for his courteous and ethical conduct,

preparedness and pro bono service.

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NEWS FROM THE CENTRAL FLORIDA BANKRUPTCY LAW ASSOCIATION

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Page 30 THE COURT CONNECTION

Judges’ Corner

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Page 31 THE COURT CONNECTION

Judges’ Corner

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QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF JUNE 30, 2013, FOR THE

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

THE COURT CONNECTION Page 32

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QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, FOR THE

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

Page 33 THE COURT CONNECTION

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QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, FOR THE

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

THE COURT CONNECTION Page 34

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QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, FOR THE

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

Page 35 THE COURT CONNECTION

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FT. MYERS

January 23 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann

JACKSONVILLE

January 8 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann

ORLANDO

October 17 @ noon CFBLA Monthly Luncheon @ GrayRobinson

October 23 @ 12:45 p.m. Pro Bono Week Celebration (400 West Washington Street, Fifth Floor Multi-Purpose Room)

October 25 @ noon OCBA Bankruptcy Committee Monthly Meeting @ OCBA

November 16 @ 11:00 am CFBLA Family Fall Festival (The Pines at Windermere Park)

November 21 @ noon CFBLA Monthly Luncheon @ GrayRobinson

December 4 @ noon CFBLA Court Appreciation Luncheon (Ember Restaurant)

December 5 @ 5:30 pm CFBLA Holiday Party (Orlando Science Center)

December 13 @ noon OCBA Bankruptcy Committee Monthly Meeting @ OCBA

December 19 @ noon CFBLA Luncheon and Board Elections @ GrayRobinson

January 16 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann

TAMPA

November 6 @ 2:00 pm 2nd Annual Bench Bar Conference

November 19 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon

November 20 @ noon Judge Mentoring Program @ USBC 5th Floor Training Room (Topic TBA)

January 14 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon

February 11 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann

March 11 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon

April 15 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon

May 13 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon

OTHER

IMPORTANT DATES

October 29-November 2 NCBJ Annual Meeting

November 6 View from the Bench Cocktail Reception at the University Club, Tampa, FL

November 7 View from the Bench Seminar at Tampa, FL

November 8 View from the Bench Seminar at Miami, FL

February 27 Statewide Residential Mortgage Modification Mediation Summit

March 13-15, 2014 ABI/Stetson Seminar—Tampa, FL

May 16, 2014 CFBLA Seminar at Embassy Suites, Orlando, FL

June 24-28, 2014 Florida Bar Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL

* * *HAPPENINGS AROUND THE MIDDLE DISTRICT* * *

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400 West Washington Street

Suite 5100

Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: 407--237-8000

Fax: 407-237-8005

United States

Bankruptcy Court

The Court Connection is

published quarterly

on:

January 15

April 15

July 15

October 15

Please submit news, photos, and

articles by January 1, April 1,

July 1, and October 1 to:

Kim Osment ([email protected]; 407.237.8111)

www.flmb.uscourts.gov


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